Missile Program and F.E. Warren Continue to Move Forward

When I mention GBSD, about half the time, I get a glazed stare that implies, “What the heck are you talking about?”

GBSD stands for Ground-Based Strategic Deterrent. The new missile will be deployed at the three ICBM military bases in Wyoming, Montana, and North Dakota. We are blessed that FE Warren was selected as the first base to implement the missile upgrade, and I am so very proud of our men and women in uniform who made this possible for us.

Interestingly, I got a call about a month ago from a person that was in quite a panic about GBSD. What I heard was, “We are way behind. We have not prepared. What are we going to do?”

After asking the caller to take a breath, I then explained that nothing could be further from the truth.

Rest assured, our community is actively engaged and has been planning diligently for GBSD. We are not behind, and we are not lagging in preparation. Here are some of the preparations that are in place or are ongoing.

Your Chamber has been advocating for a new missile system since 2012, and we continue to do so today. GBSD is the largest economic development project in Wyoming history; it deserves some work.

Your Chamber has been working with contractors on this project for years. We have hosted both potential contractors and Northrop Grumman in Cheyenne several times.
Your Chamber has set up a website that allows local contractors to qualify to do business with this program.
Your Chamber has set up a GBSD working group made up of folks from around the region. We have members from as far away as Sydney, Nebraska.
Your Chamber has focused on housing to make sure that workers and airmen involved with GBSD have a quality place to live.
Your Chamber has focused on workforce development with partners like LCCC, the school system, and others to give our people adequate employment opportunities.
Your Chamber has advocated for legislative initiatives that make Cheyenne a great place for our men and women in uniform to live. These initiatives include spousal licensing, bias crimes, tuition assistance, and many more.

While this list is not exhaustive, it gives you a general flavor of what is happening every day at the Chamber to prepare our community for this very important program. If you want to be a part of this exciting program or have questions about what is going on, reach out to us at any time.

The Greater Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce was founded in 1907 and is more than 1,000 members strong. Using guiding core competencies, the Greater Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce demonstrates leadership by advocating for business at all levels of government and promoting our community to make the region a better place to live, work, and do business. The Greater Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce is also active in the Wyoming Business & Industry Federation, Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Visit cheyennechamber.org for more information.